{"id":32544,"date":"2020-05-09T11:40:41","date_gmt":"2020-05-09T09:40:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/?p=32544"},"modified":"2020-05-22T14:34:04","modified_gmt":"2020-05-22T12:34:04","slug":"villa-lola-green-life-tuscany-interview","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/2020\/05\/villa-lola-green-life-tuscany-interview\/","title":{"rendered":"A new green life in Tuscany. An interview with Sonia, owner of Villa Lola"},"content":{"rendered":"

“The World is not ours to keep. We hold it in trust for future generations.” – Kofi Annan<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Retracing the steps of our history<\/strong>, following the footsteps of those who walked there before us<\/strong>, cherishing their choices.<\/strong> Villa Lola is all about this. It is the story of people who knew how to take an old house and enhance it with so much love<\/strong> for the environment, for themselves<\/strong> and the others<\/strong>. Today Villa Lola is a charming and green holiday rental, <\/strong>on the nearby hill of Camaiore, in the beautiful\u00a0Tuscany<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

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Villa Lola on Ecobnb<\/div><\/div>\n

A love story with nature, for a happy life: Sonia and her family<\/h2>\n

We had the kind pleasure to meet Villa Lola\u2019s owner,<\/strong> Sonia Lombardi. Sonia and her sweet family took the daring decision to grasp a piece of the Tuscan history and make it a tourism pearl<\/strong> for green travelers.<\/p>\n

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Sonia and her family, owners of Villa Lola<\/div><\/div>\n

Green travelers<\/strong> keep a special place in their hearts for nature, the surroundings, and small green choices. Yet they also have an eye for big decisions \u2013 like maintaining Villa Lola as genuine as possible,<\/strong> with its unique wooden beams and the typical structure in old stone.<\/p>\n

However, who could talk about this eco-friendly adventure<\/strong> better than those who undertook it? Sonia and her family started from their strong values<\/strong>, such as organic food choices, home-made<\/strong> cleaning products, and eventually a lot of heart and dedication to the environment<\/strong>. Let\u2019s discover Villa Lola\u2019s story, told in first person from who had the kindness to give it a new life.<\/strong><\/p>\n

How did you get the idea of Villa Lola?<\/h3>\n

Villa Lola has an ancient story.<\/strong> It is an old townhouse. Firstly, it was used as a barn<\/strong> and, secondly, it became a house in the early last century. It was built in stone and has a wooden-beamed ceiling. We came up with the name of \u201cVilla Lola\u201d only two years ago when my family and I decided to let travelers live the Lola experience,<\/strong> from April to October. \u201cLola\u201d is the fusion<\/strong> of the first parts of our surnames<\/strong> \u2013 Lombardi and Lazzeri.<\/em><\/p>\n

What environmental practices have you decided to go for?<\/h3>\n
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The Garden and Terrace of Villa Lola<\/div><\/div>\n

We are currently working on a big solar power system,<\/strong> with a heat-pump and a battery, so that the house is independent<\/strong> and ecological<\/strong> in terms of energy<\/strong>. We also decided for a thermo-fireplace<\/strong> for the coldest days, powered by firewood from our wood. And then, it produces some hot water that we use to heat the house through radiators<\/strong>. Furthermore, in the kitchen, we have an osmosis system that allows us to use tap water<\/strong> to drink and cook.<\/em><\/p>\n

We decided to adopt ecological products<\/strong> also to clean<\/strong> the house \u2013 like organic sponges and bulk products. Very often I like to make hand-made<\/strong> dishwasher detergent with vinegar, salt, and lemon. While for the laundry I use lye and essential oils and soda for solid soaps. Actually, if my guests are interested, I can do lessons<\/strong> about how soaps are created.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Then, we only buy organic food,<\/strong> preferably zero km. <\/strong>In the near city of Viareggio, there is a very useful bulk shop.<\/strong> Luckily, we have the chance to produce our own olive oil and honey.<\/strong> Besides that, in our lands, we find plenty of edible wild herbs<\/strong> and fruit trees<\/strong>. Almost every year we take care of an organic garden<\/strong>. Lastly, two small sheep<\/strong> help us to keep the grass down, with no need to use a trimmer.<\/em><\/p>\n

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What do your guests love the most?<\/h3>\n

Our guests surely love the location of Villa Lola.<\/strong> Even though it is on the hills, every facility is easy to reach<\/strong> \u2013 being only 2km far from the hometown of Camaiore<\/strong> and 10km from the sea<\/strong>. However, they also appreciate the many walks and strolls around the house, the relaxation<\/strong> you can enjoy here, and mostly the astonishing sunsets<\/strong> from the Villa.<\/em><\/p>\n

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Terrace of Villa Lola<\/div><\/div>\n

What are the best green paths nearby Villa Lola?<\/h3>\n

In Camaiore, there are so many trekking<\/strong> and walking<\/strong> paths, both straight and ring-shaped. Through these itineraries, you can enjoy and discover the many historical and peculiar towns<\/strong> of the region.<\/em><\/p>\n

Just to name a few:<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n